Robert Morris Newby, 81, a Rock Island resident and Warren County native, was born Sept. 28, 1936 and died Dec. 16 at Saint Thomas River Park Hospital following a sudden illness.

He was a retired self-employed construction worker, member of Blue Spring Cove Church of Christ, and son of the late Hiram Morris “Jack” and Martha Lee Jordan Newby. Mr. Newby was married May 8, 1954 to Betty Rose Massa Newby, who preceded him in death Oct. 4, 2016.

Survivors include children and spouses, Gary and Denise Newby of Rock Island, David and Denise Newby of Rome, Ga., Angel and Tommy Powell of Rock Island, Willie and Donna Newby of McMinnville, Manie and Rena Newby of Rock Island; 13 grandchildren, Jason Newby and wife Shelley of Knoxville, Mechele Hardy and husband Jonathan of Chattanooga, Jeremy Newby of Murfreesboro, Brandon and Justin Newby of Acworth, Ga., Tara Barton and husband Jamie of Calhoun, Ga., Mark Powers of McMinnville, Sherry Waldron and husband Greg of Morrison, Mandy Powell, Emily Bullington and husband Doug, Olivia and Ashley Newby, all of McMinnville, Carly Newby of Rock Island; 21 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Willene Newby of McMinnville; two sisters and brother-in-law, Becky and Doug Bost and Jackie Newby, all of McMinnville; and special caregivers, Alysia Hillis and Judy Cole.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at High’s Chapel with Gary Newby and David Newby to officiate. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m. Thursday until the time of service at High’s. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.